Samsung has announced its first smartwatch to have its own 3G mobile phone connection, unlike most rival models which rely on a paired mobile phone for internet connectivity, phone calls and messaging.

The curved Gear S has both Wi-Fi and a 3G modem for connecting directly to the internet, which means gives the device can offer more than just smartphone notifications - a feature that has failed to strike a chord with consumers.

​“The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication,” said JK Shin, chief executive and head of Samsung’s IT & mobile communications. “It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime.”

The Gear S has a 2in curved OLED screen that’s form-fitted to the wrist, following on from its original curved Gear Fit smartwatch. It is powered by a 1GHz processor and Samsung’s own Tizen operating system as used on the company’s Gear 2, rather than Android Wear used by its Gear Live smartwatch.

The watch can connect to a smartphone via Bluetooth, synchronising content and forwarding calls. Or it can forgo the smartphone entirely, sending and receiving calls and messages using the onscreen keyboard or voice dictation, or pulling information and status updates from social networks over Wi-Fi or 3G.

Samsung has partnered with Nokia’s Here maps for turn-by-turn walking directions shown directly on the wrist with built-in GPS and compass.

Gear S Photograph: Samsung

The Gear S also continues the company’s fitness focus with a heart beat sensor, UV monitor, barometer and motion sensors for monitoring activity and connecting to Samsung’s S Health app. Other apps such as Nike+ Running will also connect to the watches’ sensors for monitoring runs and other functions without a smartphone.

Not the first with a Dick Tracy watch

Samsung is not the first to try and fit a full mobile phone into a smartwatch. LG showed off a prototype mobile phone watch in 2008 before releasing the GD910 Watch Phone in 2009. It lasted three days on a single charge, and allowed wearers to send messages and make calls directly from the wrist.

It was only made in limited quantities with few sales, despite being sold through Orange in Europe.

The Gear S marks the sixth smartwatch to be unveiled by Samsung in less than a year, as the Korean company strives to create a range of smart wearables to support is smartphones. Samsung’s other Tizen Gear smartwatches will only connect to Samsung smartphones and tablets, like the Galaxy S5 and Tab S, and the Gear S is likely to follow suit.

A SIM card slot for the 3G modem and the heart rate sensor are on the back of the watch. Photograph: Samsung

Whether consumers will want to set up a second mobile phone contract just for their smartwatch remains to be seen. The Gear S will be available from early October, though the price has yet to be announced.